Stocks Higher In Afternoon; BlackRock, Pier 1 Hit New Highs

Stocks added to their gains in afternoon trading Thursday as a drop in new jobless claims and a jump in housing starts spurred hopes that the economy will continue to rally. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 0.7% while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 each climbed 0.6%. All were near intraday highs. Volume was down 2% on the Nasdaq and up 15% on the NYSE compared with the same time Wednesday. CBS ...

Markets Update is a subscriber feature. Take a free trial now to get instant access.

Try the Digital + Weekly Print Combo and enjoy the best of both worlds!eIBD is available after market close to give you a head start on the next day's market action. Plus, you get the Weekly Special print edition delivered right to your home or office!

Select market data is provided by Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services. Price and Volume data is delayed 20 minutes unless otherwise noted, is believed accurate but is not warranted or guaranteed by Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services and is subject to Interactive Data Corp. Real Time Services terms. All times are Eastern United States. *Reflects real-time index prices.